An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment Mary Coughlan TD, launched the European Network of Female Entrepreneurship Ambassadors at the European Commission Representation in Ireland. The 10 businesswomen are all leaders in their field and have been selected to provide insight as advisors to future female entrepreneurs.

This European Commission initiative is being co-ordinated by Galway Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Dublin and Cork Chambers, each of which is a member of Ireland’s Enterprise Europe Network. Currently women only make up 30% of entrepreneurs in the EU and this scheme is intended to help unlock their potential which is crucial for sustainable recovery.

At the launch An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment Mary Coughlan TD said, “An active entrepreneurial sector can directly assist Ireland in facing the challenge to sustain growth, deepen competitive advantage in a knowledge economy and strengthen the enterprise base. Ireland has a healthy record of entrepreneurial activity but we need to do better. In particular, we need to increase the participation rate by female entrepreneurs in our enterprise sector. Today’s event and the EU’s Ambassadors For Female Entrepreneurship will highlight the importance of the role of female entrepreneurs and will, I hope, encourage other women to consider starting up their own businesses. The extraordinary women here today, through their commitment, their passion and their business success, are ideal role models for other women to emulate. I congratulate them on their appointment and look forward to them having more success in influencing new female entrepreneurs.”

Speaking at today's announcement, Deputy President of Galway Chamber, Carmel Brennan stated that, “As National Co-ordinators for this initiative, Galway Chamber recognises the important role that women in business can play and the contribution which women can make to national economy. Too few women are taking the step to starting their own business and there is a huge untapped entrepreneurial potential.”

“This initiative which is undertaken in partnership with Dublin Chamber and Cork Chamber, on behalf of the European Commission, is to help boost the entrepreneurial activity in our regions and to learn from and take inspiration from these successful business women” she continued."

Mr Eddie McVeigh of the European Commission Representation in Ireland said at today's launch, "Women are under-represented as entrepreneurs in Europe and this has direct repercussions on our economy's success. We are losing the energy of dynamic individuals who can see an opportunity, start-up a business and sustain commercial activity. Through this network of ten successful ambassadors we hope to inspire women of all ages who may want to start a company but lack the confidence to do so. At a European level we need to ensure that policy effectively promotes this goal."

In total over 120 women business leaders have become Ambassadors across the EU.

Through the Chambers of Commerce in Ireland 10 successful businesswomen will share their unique experiences with the potential entrepreneurs of the future.

The following are the businesswomen who have been appointed as the Irish members of the EU Network of Ambassadors for Female Entrepreneurship:

• Grainne Byrne – gbc Public Relations
• Nicola Byrne – 11890
• Triona Campbell – CR Entertainment
• Liz Cassidy – Irish Time Design
• Krishna De – BizGrowth
• Judy Greene – Judy Greene Pottery
• Audrey Kinahan – University Late Night Pharmacy
• Mary O’Riordan – O’Riordan Interiors and Perfect Curtains
• Chris Winning – Corporate Care Relocation Ireland
• Jola Wojtowicz – Jola’s Restaurant

The Ambassadors will work with a number of Chambers of Commerce throughout Ireland to share their experience and provide guidance and support to potential entrepreneurs.

About the Enterprise Europe Network

The Irish Enterprise Europe Network is a consortium of business organisations who provide business support and advice on EU matters to SMEs throughout Ireland. The network includes Enterprise Ireland and the Chambers of Commerce in Dublin, Galway, Cork, Sligo and Waterford.

See here for further information.